Rebels in Assam extend ceasefire

A separatist group representing the Bodo tribe in the north-east Indian state of Assam is to extend its ceasefire with the Indian government.

The group said it would prolong the truce, which would have ended in April, by another six months.

A spokesman for the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, S Sanjarang, said that preliminary talks had made "good progress" so far.

Bodos have been fighting for a separate homeland since the late 1980s.

Thousands have been killed in the armed campaign.

Mr Sanjarang did not disclose details of the talks so far but said the truce would be extended to aid formal negotiations.